It's high time there was another less intimidating bikepacking event out there so we're putting together "The Shindig" on Saturday the13th September this year.
It'll leave from Milngavie in Glasgow at 5pm and follow bits of the West Highland Way up as far as Inversnaid before heading for Aberfoyle and then (a) either north for a loop of around 35 miles up Glen Ample and Stank Glen for those wanting a longer run before returning to Aberfoyle or (b) back to Glasgow by a choice of either flat or hilly options...

Total distances still to be calculated but I reckon in the order of 70 miles for the short loop and a bit over 100 for the longer one. Both routes will feature some pretty fine single and double track with stunning views of the West Highlands.

In complete violation of the normal "rules" and in an effort to encourage some newcomers out there will be ample options for acquiring food, coffee and alcoholic beverages along the route and 2 bunkhouses at around 30 and 40ish miles will be available. Pre-booking will be encouraged and said bunkhouses are licenced and have nominally agreed to do a late dinner and early breakfast for any riders staying. Of course there is nothing stopping you completing the route in die hard bikepacking style either if you want to or are preparing for the BB200.

Hopefully the weather will be fine and the midges dead....

If you're potentially interested can you stick an expression of interest on this thread

Cheers

Bryan

Go on then.

Might have a few others joining me as well.

Interested, assuming the current run of "train wreck" that seems to be my life is over

Yip, Im up for it

Sounds ace!! Sorry I can't put my name down for it definately, but if I can I will!

Can you do a wee mappy to see the route? I've walked the WHW a couple of times, years ago... iirc there's a bothy after inversnaid, but before bein ghlas campsite...

EDIT - thanks for guaranteeing No Midges, what are you going to set the weather to?

Will be posting the gpx files up after the weekend.
The bothy you're referring to is in the middle of the horrific hike a bike after Inversnaid and fortunately this route turns off before that

Hike-a-bike? I had a conversation with a guy in a pub here in Aviemore that assured me he rode the whole thing! Never even blinked when I asked him about that wooden steps/staircase affair

There was a post on Trail Scotland, some lad did it in a oner, from fort bill end!

Edit - in 17.5 hours (!!!)
http://www.trailscotland.co.uk/forums/v ... way#p68683

In 3 days, has some nice pics!
http://www.trailscotland.co.uk/forums/v ... f=5&t=1270

Tempted

Reckon I could be up for it too.

Very interested. Will start domestic negotiations.

Sounds good to me. I'm not long back from a Trossachs ride that had me puncture twice so I'll be thinking carefully about tyre choice

I'm very very tempted by this pretty sure "she who must be obeyed" would let me go as a birthday treat, she knows how much i love the Scotish hills

Only issue for me is the massive distance to even get there.. Wales to Scotland! any other lowlanders planning on going that could car share?

I'd like to give this a go too, probably the longer route

Sounds interesting, I'd like to try the longer route but will know nearer the time how fit/unfit I am.

Ray - I'm in North Wales if that is any good for you?

Could be interested in this, depends if i go away with the missus for my birthday and how much a return ticket to Glasgow is nearer the time.

Thanks all for the encouraging response so far.
I'm going to finalise the route details in the next week and present the options so people can plan ahead.
I'll also post details of bunkhouses etc so people can book accomodation/dinner if they want to.
Steven and Russell @ Shandcycles (www.shandcycles.com) have agreed to web host so I'll let you know when the info goes up there.
I will limit the number of riders if it gets too busy given that we're on the West Highland Way at points but I think we can handle around the sort of numbers that turn up to the BB200.

Bryan

Gilbo71 wrote: Ray - I'm in North Wales if that is any good for you?

Could be a plan fella ... are you doing WRT this weekend? could have a chat before we leave

Ive started operation "brownie points" today with the purchase of paint to which i now need to add to some walls after the WRT ... should be good for a 1 night out trip ;-)

Charliecres wrote:Very interested. Will start domestic negotiations.

Same for me

Yes, I'll be at WRT this weekend - doing the lite so probably best chatting before the off.

This sounds great, can I put my name down please?

Count me in.

RayKickButts wrote: Ive started operation "brownie points" today with the purchase of paint to which i now need to add to some walls after the WRT ... should be good for a 1 night out trip ;-)

Ohh carefull with that strategy.
In my experience this sets a precedence which cannot be undone very easily. A more balanced approach, which i employ, is to trade days out for her with days out for me

Less effort that getting into DIY and all that painting malarky

I am very interested.

Mostly sorted - happy to take details at blanerunners@gmail.com

Bryan